Cleaning baked-on grease in a toaster oven can be a bit challenging, but with the right techniques and tools, you can get it looking clean and functional again. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
Note: Always make sure your toaster oven is unplugged and cooled down before attempting to clean it.
Remove the racks and trays: Take out the removable racks, trays, and any other accessories from the toaster oven. These can be washed separately using regular dish soap and water.
Make a cleaning solution: Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water. The consistency should be thick enough to spread easily on the grease-covered surfaces. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that helps break down the grease without scratching the surfaces.
Apply the paste: Use a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge to apply the baking soda paste to the areas with baked-on grease. Make sure to cover the entire affected surface.
Let it sit: Allow the baking soda paste to sit on the grease stains for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This gives the baking soda enough time to loosen the grease.
Scrub the surfaces: After the baking soda has had time to work, use a non-abrasive scrubbing brush or sponge to gently scrub the grease-covered areas. Be patient and avoid using harsh scrubbers, as they can damage the toaster oven's interior.
Wipe off the residue: Dampen a clean cloth with water and wipe off the baking soda residue from the surfaces. Rinse and wring the cloth frequently to ensure you're removing the grease and cleaning solution effectively.
Clean the exterior: Don't forget to clean the exterior of the toaster oven as well. Use a mixture of mild dish soap and water, or a suitable cleaning solution, depending on the material of the outer surface.
Clean the racks and trays: While the baking soda paste is working on the interior, clean the removable racks and trays separately using dish soap and water. You can use a scrub brush or a sponge to remove any grease or food particles.
Rinse and dry: Once you've cleaned all the surfaces, rinse them with a damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Finally, dry everything thoroughly with a clean towel.
Reassemble and plug in: After everything is clean and dry, reassemble the toaster oven by placing the racks and trays back inside. Plug it back in, and your toaster oven should be ready to use again.
To keep your toaster oven clean and prevent future build-up, it's a good idea to wipe it down regularly after each use and avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that could damage the surfaces.